CLIVE, Iowa – With more than 300 exhibitors, 30 educational seminars and access to nationally-recognized swine experts, the 2006 Iowa Pork Congress – the nation’s largest winter swine trade show – will offer the latest information and technology available for Iowa and Midwest pork producers.

“Excitement is high this year as producers are feeling the positive effects of strong markets,” said John Weber, Chair of the IPPA Iowa Pork Congress Committee and Dysart, Iowa producer.

“This is a great venue for producers who are interested in upgrading their facilities and seeing the newest products and technologies available.”

Sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Assoc. (IPPA), the two-day event will be held Jan. 25-26 at Hy-Vee Hall in the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

Marking its 34th year, the Iowa Pork Congress offers a variety of educational opportunities for U.S. hog farmers throughout the show, including the latest information for controlling PRRS panel discussion and understanding the impact of gilt development.

New to the PORK® Campus this year is the National Animal Identification System Premises ID Station and Ventilation Trailer, where university experts will be on hand to consult with and answer questions from producers.

The IPPA Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the downtown Marriott Hotel. Other events include the Taste of Elegance, a culinary competition for chefs designed to inspire innovative ways to cook pork, Monday, Jan. 23; and the Iowa Pork Congress Kickoff Reception and Auction, Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Registration fee is $5 for IPPA members and $10 for nonmembers. Trade show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday.